Rotatable apparatus for cleaning articles



P 15, 1970 J. A. SKLADANEK 3,528,438

ROTATABLE APPARATUS FOR CLEANING ARTICLES Filed May 17. 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 0272 a. ww/aa aza Sept. 15, 1970 ROTA'I'ABLE APPARATUS FOR CLEANING ARTICLES Filed May 17. 1968 J. A. SKLADA'NEK 3,528,438

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ROTATABLE APPARATUS FOR CLEANING ARTICLES Filed May 17. 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 47112 507 jairz dlWaa mze p 15, 1970 J. A. SKLADANEK 3,528,438

ROTATABLE APPARATUS FOR CLEANING ARTICLES Filed May 17. 1968 4 sheetssheeth /M.ZM 12% United States Patent 3,528,438 ROTATABLE APPARATUS FOR CLEANING ARTICLES John A. Skladanek, Brookfield, Wis., assignor to Waukee Engineering Company, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Filed May 17, 1968, Ser. No. 730,100 Int. Cl. B08b 3/02 US. Cl. 134112 22 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning metal parts. The parts to be cleaned are contained within a basket having a removable cover of open construction and the apparatus includes a rotatable drum within which the baskets are loaded. A clamping mechanism clamps the baskets to the drum frame and a locking unit locks the clamping mechanism in clamping position so that the baskets can rotate with the drum. During rotation of the drum, water is directed from a series of jets toward the basket to clean the parts. Both the operating mechanism for actuating the clamping frame and the operating mechanism for operating the locking unit are withdrawn from engagement with the drum prior to rotation of the drum so that the drum can rotate freely without interference.

This invention relates to an invention for cleaning articles and more particularly to a rotatable washing apparatus for cleaning small metal parts.

After forming or machining, small metal parts such as washers, screws, bolts, cups and the like, are often heat treated to increase the hardness and tensile strength and subsequenly quenched in oil. Following the quench, the parts are subjected to a drawing or annealing treatment and it is necessary to clean cutting oil, quenching oil and shop soil from the parts prior to the annealing treatment, for oil and other foreign material will cause scale formation during the annealing. Because many small parts are formed with recesses or cavities, within which the oil and soil may lodge, the parts are generally cleaned in a rotating cleaning apparatus, in which the parts are subjected to the action of a cleaning solution while rotated in a drum or other container.

Small metal parts are normally introduced into the heat treating furnaces in alloy steel baskets having corrugated sidewalls and a mesh or screen bottom. In the conventional practice, after quenching parts that are difficult to clean, the parts are transferred to a conveyor or drum for washing and after the washing is completed the parts are re-transferred to the heat treating baskets for the annealing operation. This conventional practice requires considerable handling of the parts and thereby increases the overall labor cost in the fabrication of the parts.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for washing small metal parts in which the parts are re tained in the heat treating basket during the washing operation so that the handling and transfer of the parts is minimized. More specifically, the apparatus comprises a rotatable drum which is mounted for rotation within a washing chamber and a series of high pressure jets are located within the chamber and direct the washing liquid toward the drum.

The small metal parts in the heat treating baskets are loaded into the drum and the open top of the basket is enclosed by a removable cover of open construction. The basket is clamped to the frame of the drum by a clamping frame whcih bears against the cover and the clamping frame is locked into clamping position by a locking unit.

To enable the drum to rotate within the washing chamher, the operating mechanism for the clamping frame as well as the operating mechanism for the locking unit are withdrawn from engagement with the drum prior to drum rotation. As the drum rotates, the washing liquid is directed towards the parts in the basket to clean the parts and the rotation enables all parts, as Well as cavities and recesses within the parts, to be contacted by the washing liquid.

After the washing operation has been completed, the drum is indexed to its original loading position, the locking unit is released and the clampng frame is opened so that the baskets can be withdrawn from the drum.

The washing apparatus of the invention enables small metal parts, such as washers, screws, bolts and the like to be cleaned directly in the heat transfer baskets so that there is no necessity to transfer the parts to a separate washing drum and to re-transfer the washed or cleaned parts back to the heat treating baskets after the washing operation has been completed. This substantially reduces the overall labor cost in the heat treating and cleaning operation. As the heat treating baskets are also cleaned during the cleaning operation, the oils and soil are removed from the baskets before the annealing operation. By removing oil and other foreign materials from the baskets prior to annealing, deterioration of the alloy steel baskets during the heat treatment is reduced and the life of service of the baskets is extended.

The mesh covers which fit over the tops of the baskets prevent the parts from spilling from the baskets during rotation of the drum. The covers are designed so that they will fit snugly to the baskets even though the baskets may have been warped during prior heat treatments.

The cleaning apparatus of the invention is particularly adapted to cleaning small fiat parts, such as washers, which have a tendency to stick together by surface tension or for cleaning small parts containing recesses or ca vities, such as screws, cups and the like.

The drum can accommodate a single basket or multiple baskets as well as accommodating baskets of various heights.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of the washing apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the washing apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the washing apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a transverse section taken along line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the casing;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary rear end view of the drum;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section showing a basket clamped within the drum;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken through the drum and showing the pivotable guide members in a horizontal position; 1

FIG. 10 is a section taken on line 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a section taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5 and showing the cylinders and actuating rods for the clamping mechanism;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the pawls; and

FIG. 13 is a view taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

The drawings illustrate a washing apparatus for cleaning small parts which includes an outer casing 1 that de- 3 fines a washing chamber 2. Access is provided to the washing chamber 2 through an opening 3 which is enclosed by a vertically sliding door 4.

The metal articles to be cleaned are contained within baskets 5 which are loaded within a rotating drum 6 mounted for rotation within the washing chamber 2. A series of rollers 7 are journalled within a housing 8 mounted on platform 9 which extends outwardly from the front of the casing 1. The rollers 7 are located substantially flush with the lower edge of the Opening 3 and the baskets 5 are moved across the rollers when being loaded and unloaded from the drum 6.

The metal parts contained within the baskets 5 are cleaned by a washing solution which is discharged through a series of jets or nozzles 10 in conduits 11 which extend along the walls of the washing chamber 2. The particular structure of the nozzles 10 and conduits 11 in itself is not critical and any conventional high pressure system can be employed to discharge the washing solution toward the baskets 5 contained in the rotating drum 6.

In some instances the metal parts, after Washing are subjected to a drying treatment. In this connection a fan 12 is mounted on a platform on the rear of the casing 1 and air is discharged from the fan through a conduit 13 to the upper end of the washing chamber. The air moving within conduit 13 is heated by a heating unit 14 located within the conduit. The exhaust air is discharged from the washing chamber 2 through an exhaust conduit 15.

The drum 6 is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and comprises a pair of generally circular channel members 16 which are connected together by a series of tie rods 17. To mount the drum 6 for rotation about its axis, two pairs of rollers 18 are journalled within brackets 19 mounted on frame 20 and are adapted to ride in the end channels 16 as the drum 6 is rotated.

As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of segmental plates 21 are secured to the front channel 16 and the space between the plates 21 defines an opening which is in general alignment with the opening 3 in casing 1 so that the baskets 5 can be introduced into the interior of the drum. The rear channel 16 is enclosed by a rear end plate 22.

To facilitate the loading of the baskets 5 within the drums, a series of rollers 23 are located within the drum. Rollers 23 are journalled on shafts 24 which extend transversely of the drum, and the outer ends of shafts 24 are mounted on channels 25 which extend longitudinally between the end members 16. The inner ends of shafts 24 are connected to an angle 26 which extends between the plates 21 and 22, and both the channels 25 and the angles 26 are supported on angles 27 which also extend between the plates 21 and 22.

The rollers 23 in drum 6 are substantially flush with the rollers 7 of exterior housing 8 so that the baskets 5 can be moved across the rollers 7 and the rollers 23 to the interior of the drum.

The baskets 5 are best shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, and each basket includes a generally corrugated sidewall 28 and a bottom wall 29 having a central section formed of metal mesh or other material of open construction. The lower edge of the bottom wall 29 is provided with a pair of ribs 30 and when the baskets are loaded within the drum, the ribs 30 extend within the gap between adjacent rollers 23, as shown in FIG. 8, to thereby aid in aligning the baskets within the drum.

The metal parts to be cleaned are normally subjected to a heat treatment in the basket 5 prior to the cleaning operation. After completion of the heat treatment, which generally includes an oil quench, the baskets 5 containing the metal parts are introduced into the drum 6 and it is not necessary to transfer the parts from the heat treating baskets to auxiliary containers for the washing procedure. Prior to introducing the baskets 5 into the drum 6, a cover or lid 31 is applied to each of the baskets. The cover 31 includes an edge channel 32 having a gasket 33 of resilient material which bears against the upper edge of the sidewall 28 of the basket. The central portion of the cover 31 is formed of metal mesh or screening 34 which extends between the edge channels 32, and the screening is reinforced by braces 35 that are connected to the channels 32. The covers 31 are not used during the heat treating process but are applied to the baskets prior to introducing the baskets into the drum 6.

Baskets of different sizes can .be loaded into the drum 6. For example, two baskets can be positioned in the drum with the long axes of the baskets extending transversely of the drum and in this case, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the rim of the bottom wall 29 of each basket will be located between the channels 25 and the channels 25 serve to prevent lateral displacement of the baskets. Smaller single baskets can be introduced in the drum with the long axis of the basket extending longitudinally of the drum, as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 4. In this case, hinged guide members 36 are manually pivoted downwardly and the basket is located between the guide members. Each guide 36 is connected to a longitudinal rod 37 and the forward end of each rod extends outwardly toward the wall of the casing 1 and defines a handle 38. By rotating the rod 37 through operation of the handle 38, the guides 36 can be moved from the vertical or non-operative position to the horizontal, operating position as shown in FIG. 9.

To lock the guide 36 in the vertical and horizontal positions, a pin 39 extends transversely through the rear end of the rod and is adapted to engage either a horizontal or vertical slot 40 in collar 41. The rod 37 is urged to the rear to maintain the pin 39 in engagement with one of the slots 40 by a coil spring 42. By pulling outwardly on the handle 38 against the force of the spring 42, the pin 39 will be disengaged from the slot 40 and the rod 37 can then be rotated to move the guide 36 between the vertical and horizontal positions. On release of the handle 38 the spring 42 will urge the locking pin 39 into the respective slot to thereby maintain the guide 36 in the desired position.

As shown in FIG. 9, the forward or front edge of the guide 36 is provided with a tapered edge 43 and as the basket 5 is introduced into the drum the basket will be guided along the edge 43. In addition, the rear portion of each guide 36 is provided with an extension 44 which serves as a stop and the end of the basket engages the stop 44 to properly position the basket within the drum.

The baskets 5 are clamped to the drum 6 by a clamping frame 45. The clamping frame 45 has an open construction so that the washing liquid can pass through the frame and the cover 31 to contact the parts within the basket. As shown in FIG. 8, the frame 45 includes a peripheral flange 46 which fits around the outside of the cover 31, when the frame is in the clamping position.

To move the clamping frame 45 between the clamping and released positions, a pair of channels 47 are secured to the'upper surface of frame 45 and extend transversely of the axis of the drum. Rollers 48 are adapted to ride within each of the channels 47, and each roller 48 is joumalled on the end of an arm 49. The opposite end of each arm 49 is secured to a shaft 50, and the shafts 50, as shown in FIG. 3, are located above the clamping frame and extending longitudinally of the drum.

The forward end of each shaft 50 is journalled within a bearing assembly 51 mounted in one of the forward plates 21, while the rear end of each of the shafts 50 is journalled within a similar bearing assembly 51 mounted in the rear plate 22.

Secured to the rear end of each of the shafts 50 are gears 52 and 53. Gears 52 and 53 are in meshing engagement and rotation of the gear 52 will act to rotate gear 53 to thereby rotate the corresponding shaft 50. Connected to the shaft 50 along with the gear 52 is an arm 54 and the outer end of the arm carries a roller 55. When the arm 54 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5, the shafts 50 will be rotated to draw the rollers 48 toward each other and thereby move the clamping frame 45 to the clamping position. Pivotal movement of the arm 54 in the opposite direction will raise the clamping frame 45.

The arm 54 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 5, by a lug 56 carried by the end of a rod 57. Rod 57 is located within the upper portion of the casing 1 and is guided for axial movement within guide tubes 58 secured to the casing 1. The outer end of the rod 57 is connected by a link 59 to the outer end of piston rod 60 which is actuated by the cylinder 61. Cylinder 61 is mounted on the exterior of casing 1. As the piston rod 60 is extended, the rod 57 is moved to the left as shown in FIG. to thereby bring the lug 56 into engagement with roller 55 and pivot the arm 54 in a counterclockwise direction, thereby moving the clamping frame 45 to the clamping position.

The clamping frame 45 is released from the clamping position by a lug 62 carried by rod 63. The rod '63 is mounted for sliding movement within guide tubes '64 secured to casing 1 and the outer end of the rod 63 projects through the wall of casing 1 and is connected by link 65 to the piston rod 66 of cylinder 67, which is mounted on the exterior of the casing. When the piston rod 66 is moved outwardly, the rod 63 is moved to the left as shown in FIG. 4, thereby bringing the lug 62 into engagement with the roller 55 and causing the arm 54 to pivot counterclockwise. Pivotal movement of arm 54 acts through gears 52 and 53 to rotate shafts 50 and thereby move the clamping frame 45 to the raised or released position To lock the clamping frame 45 in the clamping position, a gear segment 68 is attached to the shaft 50 which carries the gear 53. The periphery of gear segment 68 is provided with a series of teeth 69 which are engaged by a pair of pawls 70 and 71 which are mounted in a sideby-side relation. The pawls are provided with pointed tips 72 which engage the teeth 69, and as best shown in FIG. 12, the tip 72 of one pawl 70 is advanced a half a tooth beyond the tip of the other pawl 71, so that only one of the tips 72 is in engagement with the teeth 69 at any time. The offset relationship of tips 72 of pawls 70 and 71 provides a fine adjustment for the locking mechanism. As the gear 53 is rotated, the gear segment 68 will pivot and the pawls 70 and 71 will engage the teeth 69 to lock the gear segment'68 against pivotal movement in the opposite direction and thereby prevent the clamping frame 45 from moving upwardly.

The pawls 70 and 71 are pivotally connected by pin 73 to arm 74 and each pawl is individually urged against the teeth 69 by a spring plunger 75. A stop 76 mounted on the arm 74 limits the pivotal movement of the pawls '70 and 71 through the pressure of the spring plungers 75.

Arm 74 is formed integrally with arm 77 and arm 78 and' all three arms are pivotally mounted by pin 79 to a bracket 80 secured to the end plate 22. To bias the arm 74 upwardly towards the gear segment 68, one end of a coil spring 81 is secured to the lower end of the arm 77 and the opposite end of the spring is connected to a threaded rod '82 which extends through a lug 83 mounted on the rear plate 22. Adjusting nuts 84 are threaded onto the rod 82 and lock the rod in the desired position. By threading the rod 82 with respect to the lug 83., the force of the coil spring 81 can be varied to thereby vary the force urging the arm 74 upwardly against the gear segment 68.

After the washing operation has been completed it is necessary to release the pawls '70 and 71 from engagement with the gear segment 68 so that the clamping frame 45 can be moved to the raised or released position. To release the pawls 70 and 71, a lever arm 85 is arranged to pivot downwardly to engage the tapered surface 86 of arm 78, and thereby pivot the arm counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 7. As the arm 78 is integrally connected to the arm 74, pivotal movement of the arm 78 will cause the arm 74 to move counterclockwise and thereby move the pawls 7-0 and 71 out of engagement with the gear segment 68.

The lever arm is carried by a shaft 87 which extends through the wall of the casing 1 and is journalled in bearings 88. The outer end of shaft '87 is connected by a link 89 to the outer end of piston rod 90 of cylinder 91. The end of cylinder 91 is pivotally connected to a clevis 92 mounted on the end wall 22. With this construction, as the piston rod 90 is extended the lever arm 85 will be pivoted counterclockwise, as viewed in FIG. 7, to thereby pivot arms 78 and 74 and move the locking pawls 70 and 71 out of engagement with the gear segment 68 and release the clamping frame.

To rotate the drum 6 about its axis a pair of pins 93 extend outwardly from the rear plate 22 and are received within recess 94 at opposite ends of a rotatable driving arm 95. As shown in FIG. 3 the arm 95 is reinforced by a web 96 and the arm is carried by a shaft 97 that extends through the wall of the casing 1 and is journalled by a bearing assembly 98 mounted on platform 99. The outer end of shaft 97 is connected through a slip clutch assembly to a sprocket 100 and sprocket 100 is driven by a chain 101 connected to a sprocket on the drive shaft of a transmission 102 driven by motor 103. Thus, the motor 103 acts to rotate the driving arm 95 and rotate the drum 6 about its axis. A mechanism is also provided to lock the drum against rotation at the completion of the washing and/or drying cycle. The drum 6 is locked by means of a locking pin 104 which is adapted to engage the central opening in a bushing 105 carried by a wear plate 106. Wear plate 106 is connected to the channel shaped end members 16 of drum 6, as shown in FIG. 7.

When the cycle is timed out, the locking pin 104 is extended and will ride on plate 106 and drop into the recess in bushing 105 to lock the drum in the proper position for loading and unloading. As the locking pin moves into the recess in bushing 105, a switch is tripped to stop the motor 103. As shown in FIG. 6 the end of the locking pin 104 is tapered and the bushing 105 is proyided with a tapered surface surrounding the central openmg.

The locking pin 104 extends through an opening in the casing 1 and is guided for sliding movement in a bushing 107. The outer end of the pin is connected through a knuckle coupling 108 to the piston rod 109 of air cylinder 110 mounted on platform 111. As the piston rod 109 is extended, the pin 104 will move inwardly and drop into the opening in bushing 105 as the drum slowly rotates.

In operation of the cleaning apparatus of the invention, a wash cycle, a dry cycle or a combination wash and dry cycle can be utilized. The metal parts to be washed are contained within the heat treating baskets 5, and after heat treatment, the parts are contaminated with cutting oil, quenching oil and shop soil. The covers 31 are initially applied to the baskets 5, and if two baskets are to be inserted in the washing chamber, the baskets are introduced with their long dimension extending transversely of the drum as shown in FIG. 4. If however, only a single basket is to be introduced into the drum the basket is inserted with its long dimension extending longitudinally of the drum as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 4. In this latter case, the guides 36 are pivoted downwardly so that the single basket will be aligned between the two guides 36.

Through the electrical circuit, not shown, the cylinder 61 is then actuated to move lug 56 into engagement with the roller 55 on arm 54 to thereby rotate the shafts 50 and move the clamping frame 45 downwardly against the cover 31 on the basket. Rotation of the gear 53 causes the gear segment 68 to pivot and the locking pawls 70 and 71 engage the teeth 69 of the gear segment to lock the clamping frame in the downward clamping position. When a pressure switch associated with the cylinder 61 reaches its re-set limit, the piston rod 60 will then retract to return the lug 56 to its original position. With the lug 56 in its original position the drum, including the attached arm 54, can freely rotate without interference with the lug 56. The locking pin 104 is then retracted from the opening in bushing 105 through operation of the air cylinder 110 and the drum is then free to rotate. Motor 103 is then operated to rotate the drum 6 around its axis and the door 4 enclosing the opening 3 can then be closed.

Normally a separate push button is employed for the water pumping system and by actuating the pumping system the water will be ejected through the jets 11 toward the rotating drum 6. As the drum itself is of open construction as well as the top and bottom of the baskets 5, the cleaning solution will contact all of the metal parts in the baskets as they are being rotated to thoroughly clean the parts. The rotation of the drum provides a tumbling action for the parts which not only exposes all portions of the parts to the streams of cleaning solution but also acts to drain the solution from any recesses or cavities in the parts.

When the washing cycle is completed a switch is closed to 'actuate cylinder 110 and move the locking pin 104 toward the locking position. As the drum continues to rotate the pin 104 will ride against the surface of wear plate 106 and fall within the opening in bushing -105 to lock the drum in the proper position for unloading. When the lock pin 104 moves into the lock position a switch is triggered to stop motor 103 and a solenoid is energized to actuate cylinder 91 and thereby release the pawls 70 and 71 from engagement with the gear segment 68. With the pawls 70 and 71 released, the clamping frame 45 can then be raised by actuation of the cylinder 67 which brings the lug 62 into contact with roller 55 to thereby pivot arm 54 and move the frame 45 upwardly. With the clamping frame in the released position, the baskets 5 can then be removed from the washing chamber by a suitable charging mechamsm.

The cleaning apparatus of the invention thoroughly cleans small parts directly in the heat treating baskets and it is not necessary to transfer the parts to auxiliary baskets or drums for the cleaning operation. This substantially reduces the handling required for the parts and thereby decreases the overall labor costs.

As the heat treating baskets themselves are subjected to the washing treatment, oils and other soil are removed from the baskets and this substantially prolongs or extends the life of service of the baskets. This feature is particularly important since the 'baskets are made of expensive alloy steels capable of withstanding the elevated temperatures employed during the heat treating process.

The mechanism of the invention incorporates a self adjustment and self locking feature so that baskets of varying dimensions can be accommodated in the rotating drum.

While the above description was directed to the cleaning of small metal parts, it is contemplated that the washing apparatus of the invention can be utilized to wash any type of articles which are normally contained in an open type basket or container.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are con templated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for cleaning articles, comprising a casing defining a cleaning chamber, a rotatable drum disposed within the chamber and including an open frame, means for rotating the drum about its axis, a basket of open construction to contain articles to be cleaned and removably disposed within the drum, clamping means for clamping the basket to the frame of the drum, operating means operably connected to the clamping means for moving the clamping means between a clamping position and a released position, and including power means located exteriorly of the drum, means for selectively disengaging the operating means from the clamping means to permit free rotation of said drum, and means for directing a cleaning fluid towards the basket as the drum rotates to thereby clean the articles contained within the basket.

2. The apparatus of claim L1, and including locking means for locking said clamping means in the clamping position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, and including second operating means operably connected to the locking means for actuating said locking means and including power means located exteriorly of the drum, and means for selectively disengaging said second operating means from said locking means to permit free rotation of the drum.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drum frame includes roller means for supporting the basket in movement in and out of said drum.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said clamping means includes a clamping frame disposed to engage one surface of the basket and the opposite surface of said basket bears against said roller means.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clamping means engages one surface of the basket and the opposite surface of the basket bears against the drum frame, and said apparatus includes guide means to engage the sidewalls of the basket with respect to said drum frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said guide means includes a plurality of pivotable guides disposed for pivotal movement between a guiding position and a nonguiding position, and means located on the exterior of the drum for pivoting said guides between said positions.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said roller means comprises a series of shafts extending transversely of the axis of the drum, and a series of rollers mounted on each shaft, the ends of adjacent rollers being spaced apart, and a projection located on a surface of the basket and disposed within the space between the ends of adjacent rollers to align the basket within the drum.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said casing is provided with an opening and said apparatus includes indexing means to lock the drum with respect to the casing so that the baskets can be loaded and unloaded from said drum.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said indexing means includes a first indexing member connected to the drum, and a second indexing member connected to the casing, and actuating means for moving the second indexing member into engagement with said first indexing member to thereby lock the drum with respect to the casmg.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, and including a guide plate connected to the drum, said first indexing member comprising a recess formed in said guide plate, saidsecond indexing member comprising a pin disposed to ride on the plate as the drum rotates and engage said recess.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said basket is provided with a side wall and a foraminous top wall and a foraminous bottom wall.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said top wall is removably disposed on said side wall, and said clamping means is disposed to engage said top wall and said bottom wall bears against said drum frame.

14. In an apparatus for cleaning small articles, comprising a casing defining a cleaning chamber and having an opening therein communicating with said chamber, a rotatable drum disposed within said chamber and including an open frame, said drum having an open end disposed in alignment with the opening in said casing, means for rotating the drum about its axis, a basket of open construction to contain the articles to be cleaned and removably disposed with the drum, a clamping frame carried by the drum for clamping the basket to the frame of the drum, and mounted for movement with respect to the drum between a clamping position and a released position, power means located exteriorly of the drum, operating means operably connecting the power means to the clamping frame, means for selectively disengaging said operating means from said clamping frame after said clamping frame has been moved to the clamping position to permit free rotation of said drum within said chamber, and means for directing a cleaning liquid towards the basket as the drum is rotated to thereby clean the articles contained within the basket.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, and including locking means operably connected to the clamping frame for locking said clamping frame in the clamping position, and means for urging said locking means to a locked position.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, and including second power means located exteriorly of the drum, and connecting means operably connecting said second power means and said locking means, said power means being operable through said connecting means to move said locking means to an unlocked position.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said operating means comprises an arm movably connected to said clamping frame, and a shaft connected to said arm, said power means being operably connected to said shaft and arranged so that operation of said power means acts to rotate said shaft and pivot said arm, pivotal movement of said arm acting to move said clamping frame between the clamping and released positions.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, and including a second arm connected to said shaft, said power means including an abutment disposed to engage said second arm and thereby pivot said arm and rotate said shaft.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said power means includes cylinder means to move said abutment.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said power means includes a piston rod slidably disposed within said cylinder means and said abutment is connected to said piston rod.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, and including a gear member connected to the shaft and mounted for movement in accordance with rotation of said shaft, said gear member having a series of teeth, and a locking member having a series of teeth to engage the teeth of said gear member to thereby lock the clamping frame in a clamping position.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said locking member comprises a pawl and said apparatus includes means for selectively releasing said pawl from engagement with the teeth of said gear member to thereby release said clamping frame.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 512,683 1/ 1894 Cochrane 134-153 XR 860,353 7/1907 Cunningham 15-64 XR 947,151 1/1910 Eick. 1,220,308 3/1917 Young et a1. 6810 1,584,770 5/1926 Hurd 68--10 2,716,989 9/1955 Joy 134159 XR 2,830,605 4/1958 Kleeman et al. 134-159 XR FOREIGN PATENTS 266,286 10/ 1913 Germany.

DANIEL BLUM, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 1 34-153, 

